Queensland Reds co-captain Tate McDermott has been one of the top Australian performers through the opening seven weeks of the 2024 Super Rugby season.
A scrappy scrumhalf, McDermott brings a hard edge to the Reds at the breakdown and has taken his ability to manage the pace of a game to another level this season.
Still just 25-years-old, MrDermott’s progression will be a huge boost for new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt as he looks to pick up the pieces left behind from the Eddie Jones era.
Currently trailing Moana Pasifika 10 – 7 away from home, the Reds are putting their hosts under immense pressure as they chase a fourth win of the season.
Leading the charge was McDermott, who had a viewing sniping runs, quick passes, and clever kicks as his team rallied early in the second half.
During one of these attacks, McDermott was forced to quickly scramble in defence as the Reds coughed up the ball before Moana Pasifika backrow Irie Papuni pounced.
Making a mini break whilst wrestling with McDermott, Papuni appeared to pus the scrumhalf away by his collar.
This appeared to trigger McDermott, who lashed out with a swinging arm as the tackle was completed.
Leaving the match officials with no option but to send him to the sin bin, McDermot was initially shown a yellow, which was upgraded to a red.
Under the new experimental laws, whilst McDermott cannot return to the field of play, the Red will go back to a full compliment after twenty minutes.
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